Tonga’s gripping win over Samoa a victory for Pasifika pride at Rugby League World Cup

• Tonga defeat Samoa 20-18 in raucous atmosphere

• England exit tournament on points difference

Sometimes sport does live up to the hype. Any suggestion that there was little riding on this result was evidently nonsense, when weeks of anticipation evolved into a mass display of national pride, the desire to get one over on their Pasifika cousins far greater than wanting to avoid Australia in the semi-finals. Tonga and Samoa flags had flown from cars for several days across the eastern seaboard and five hours before kick-off the streets of Parramatta were throng with huge groups of both nationalities celebrating their cultural bond.

Both teams were basically through to the final four, yet still produced an exhilarating derby that confirmed England’s exit from the Rugby League World Cup on points difference. Fans who’d paid sums previously unheard of for international rugby league tickets on the black market and resale sites will consider it money well spent. Those who got theirs for $20 will consider it the buy of the year.

Continue reading...